Apples of Gold

The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! Luke 12:2-3 

It is rare that a word is actually spoken in private anymore. Even those conversations occurring off in a corner or another remote location are frequently overheard. If a smartphone or other device connected to the internet is present-even TV’s are watching, you might not be as secluded as you assume you are! It’s kind of creepy when you think about it and yet how normal has it become to have a conversation about gutters, or curtains only to find your social media feed densely populated with advertisements attempting to pique your interest?

At times this can be quite helpful and convenient. AI has put the opportunity to purchase a needed item right at your fingertips. The reality that someone or something is listening to your innermost secrets  often seems inconsequential as convenience is embraced. 

Technology is not the only listening ear:

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such Knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand. Psalm 139:1-6

Knowing that God is aware of every single thought that crosses my mind, every word I speak, every action I take, or choose not to take, brings both comfort and chagrin. 

Peace accompanies the reality that God is always looking out for me; nothing is sneaking past his ever watchful gaze and catching him off-guard. But this same reality can bring a blush to my cheeks as I reflect on my less-refined moments when my humanity gets the better of me. 

The trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:14-15

Surely if the Apostle Paul struggled keeping himself in line, we can expect to find ourselves being the opponent in our own wrestling match.

Back some time ago, a movie called The Truman Show made an appearance. The plot was quite intriguing. Truman was chosen as an infant to live his entire life on a reality show without his knowledge or consent.  Every aspect of his life was scripted and his world was artificial. He was completely surrounded by actors, and visible to the entire world constantly. Although he was able to make decisions, the director took great care to steer him away from discovering the truth. Plot twists, accidents, storms and even manipulated conversations were employed to keep him from asking too many questions or traveling too close to the edge of the artificial bubble.

Our lives too have an observant director. His motive however is not to keep us in the dark. He is always working things for our benefit. The twists and turns are designed to shape us into the image of Christ and draw us into a closer relationships with our Father. 

The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Psalm 32:8-9

If you order a bookshelf, a table or even a dresser online it is highly likely that it will come in a pretty flat, very heavy and quite disassembled state. Somewhere in the pile of pieces and hardware you should find a set of instructions. There is no guarantee that you will be able to decipher them, I usually have more success looking at the pictures!

That paper serves as a guide-should you choose to use it. You can opt to completely disregard it and attempt to conquer the task using only your wits. This approach often ends with extra screws and unused parts that might impact the integrity of the final product! 

God is watching over and advising us. He is pointing out pitfalls, shortcuts, and scenic overlooks. We can carefully implement his guidance or choose the senseless mule option!  

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-117